The Lady Wildcats of Fort Valley State University (FVSU) had just one word on their collective minds when met the Lady Blazers of Valdosta State University (VSU) on December 4
th in The Complex on the VSU campus. That one word was revenge! After losing to VSU on November 17
th at home, the Lady Wildcats were looking to return the favor in tonight's game.
With a record of 2-1, FVSU played their last game on November 26th. In the first half of tonight's game, the Lady Wildcats showed some rust from the layoff. Shooting just 34% from the floor (11 of 32), FVSU still managed a halftime lead (27-24) due largely to a poorer shooting performance by the Lady Blazers who made only eight of 26 baskets in the first half (30.8%).
As the teams thawed in the second half, the edge shifted to VSU. After taking the lead, the Lady Blazers settled into a half court offense which minimized the fast break opportunities for FVSU. With 3:22 left in the game, VSU led the Lady Wildcats 47-44. Minutes later a steal by
Briana Shepherd led to a flagrant foul. She hit one of the free throws to cut the VSU lead to 47-45. Then, with the Lady Wildcats retaining possession after the flagrant foul, Shepherd sank a mid-range jump shot to tie the game at 47 with 1:41 remaining.
After two free throws by the Lady Blazers gave them a 49-47 with just over one minute remaining, the Lady Wildcat defense made a critical steal with :46 left. On transition Shepherd nailed a jump shot to tie the game at 49. It stayed that way at the end of regulation.
In the overtime period, neither team scored in the first two minutes. However, two free throws by the Lady Blazers near the three minute mark gave them a 51-49 lead. With :47 left and the Lady Wildcats in desperate need of a basket,
Dominique Collier penetrated the lane for a layup to tie the game at 51.
After a time out, the Lady Blazers answered the FVSU basket with a three-point bucket to reclaim the lead, 54-51. While the Lady Wildcats had another opportunity, a turnover preempted a shot attempt. In the final seconds, the Lady Blazers added to two more free throws and went on to win 56-51.
Brian Shepherd led the Lady Wildcats in scoring with 13 points and six rebounds.
Dominique Collier added 12 points.
Now 2-2 on the season, the Lady Wildcats are back in action on Tuesday, December 11
th at 6 p.m. when they host Selma College in the HPE Complex on the FVSU campus.
